Low carb insulin resistance

Andy Kneeter's Avatar

Andy Kneeter

28 Dec, 2013 06:49 PM

Robb Wolf recently re-broadcast his interview with Matt Lalonde (PhD in organic chemistry). He said that long-term very low carb diets can cause insulin resistance in muscles to preserve minimal glucose for the brain. Is this true & could it be a problem (I always thought that low carb diets increase insulin sensitivity of insulin receptors)?

  1. Support Staff 1 Posted by Ken on 29 Dec, 2013 02:29 PM

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    Greetings Andy

    This is another great question, relates to John's question concerning long term low carbs. Perhaps Dr. Ron will be able to answer both questions as time permits.

    Ken Smith

  2. Support Staff 2 Posted by Dr. Rosedale on 05 Jan, 2014 12:42 AM

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    This is a myth that has been perpetuated by some people in the Paleo community. They had noticed occasional increased blood glucose in the morning, though insulin levels were not concurrently checked. It is impossible to make statements about insulin sensitivity without measuring insulin . I strongly believe that any increase in morning glucose while instituting a low carbohydrate diet is due to increased and excessive protein intake, not the low-carb. On a proper high-fat, moderate protein very low carb diet, insulin sensitivity is most definitely increased and I had measured this directly many years ago.

    The reason given by Matt Lalonde and others, that there is "physiologic insulin resistance" to preserve glucose for the brain, also reveals a lack of understanding. Once adapted to a high fat diet, the brain's reliance on glucose is reduced over 90%, and there is no need to "preserve" serum glucose for the brain. The brain is functioning, (and functioning better) almost entirely on ketones, recycled lactate, and glucose derived from the glycerol moiety of fat.
    Thank you for the question.

  3. Support Staff 3 Posted by Ken on 05 Jan, 2014 12:58 AM

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    Thanks Dr. Ron

    Ken

  4. 4 Posted by Andy Kneeter on 05 Jan, 2014 03:12 PM

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    Thanks, Dr. Rosedale, for the excellent answer to my question!

    I'm strict ketogenic 100% of the time & I feel great (mostly fat, moderate protein, & lots of non-starchy vegetables). I even measured my blood ketones & blood sugar with a meter for awhile. Staying abreast of the science can be confusing. Thanks for your clarity on the subject.

  5. 5 Posted by NY on 17 Jun, 2015 08:46 PM

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    Many people have failed OGTT while on a low carb diet and passed it when done after eating 150 gram carbs per day for three days. I have personally tested it as well. If I'm on 70 grams carbs per day eating a potatoe shoots blood glucose to 150, if I'm eating over 100 grams carbs per day eating the same potato only raises blood glucose to 120.

  6. Support Staff 6 Posted by Ken on 17 Jun, 2015 08:52 PM

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    NY

    • IMHO, both 150 & 120 are too high

    Ken/   Rosedale Support Team

  7. 7 Posted by NY on 17 Jun, 2015 09:02 PM

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    Whether high or not that's a separate issue. Also, why do people pass OGTT after consuming more carbs? My point is it is not a myth and needs to be addressed. Peter at Hyperlipid has discussed it at length.

  8. Support Staff 8 Posted by Ken on 17 Jun, 2015 09:17 PM

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    NY

    The Support Line here is to help others understand the great benefits that Dr. Ron's Diet has, which has proven itself many times over the years. It really is not set-up for debating.

    Ken/   Rosedale Support Team

  9. 9 Posted by NY on 17 Jun, 2015 09:37 PM

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    Seeking help/answers is not debate and dismissing something as myth is not helpful. There are many low carbers including myself whose glucose tolerance weakens on a very low carb diet and it is a real thing. I have also achieved many health benefits following Dr Rosedale's diet. Instead of being defensive and dismissing the issue as a myth you guys need to address and investigate it.

  10. Support Staff 10 Posted by Ken on 17 Jun, 2015 09:40 PM

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    NY

    Point taken

    Ken/   Rosedale Support Team

  11. Ken closed this discussion on 17 Jun, 2015 09:40 PM.

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